Unlike last year, however, the North didn't play up the declaration on its first anniversary on Thursday, with its main Rodong Sinmun newspaper carrying no article about the ICBM launch or the completion of the state nuclear force and refraining from criticizing the US.

The paper's front page was filled with economy stories, and most of the other four pages were also about the economy and technology. The only article about the US was a commentary criticizing both the US and South Korea for joining in a UN resolution on the North's human rights situation.

The apparent restraint suggests that Pyongyang wants to remain on the dialogue course with the US.

Only a propaganda website made mention of last year's nuclear armament declaration.

"November's epochal event, which elevated the DPRK's strategic status higher, put a final end to the history of imperialist aggression and nuclear threats and enabled our people to focus all strength on building a socialist economy," the article said.

It also said that the North's demonstration of its power led to sweeping changes in the situation on the Korean Peninsula, such as three inter-Korean summits and the first-ever summit between the North and the United States.

The outlet also said that no sanctions or pressure on the North will work.

Since last November's ICBM test, the North has not carried out any missile or nuclear tests so far.

Beginning with a New Year's Day address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un launched a charm offensive that led to three inter-Korean summits and the historic first-ever summit in June between the North and the US

But denuclearization negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled as the North wants a reward from the US, such as sanctions relief, for the steps it has taken so far, such as blowing up its nuclear testing site, while the US wants Pyongyang to take more denuclearization measures. (Yonhap)